Why you need to learn these skills

This is why healthcare professionals need to know how to induce the relaxation response in patients. Guided imagery and visualisation not only reduce emotional arousal quickly but can be used to reframe life circumstances through metaphor and to rehearse in the imagination any required changed behaviours and/or feelings.

Among other things, guided imagery is an essential skill required for removing phobias, curing PTSD, lifting depression and raising self-confidence. When you become confident in using these skills, you can begin to bring patients out of the emotionally-driven trance states of a wide range of conditions such as anxiety disorders, addiction, anger, stress overload, depression and chronic pain.

That is why guided imagery is one of the most powerful psychotherapeutic
tools known.

You can also control blood pressure, stimulate the immune system, promote healing of damaged skin tissue and bones and give birth easier using guided imagery and visualisation.

Course Programme

The 'Guided imagery and visualisation for therapeutic change' course starts at 9.30am and runs until 4.00pm.

The day's agenda

Registration: 8.30am to 9.30am (Tea or coffee served until 9.25am)

9.30am – What guided imagery is and why it works

The common myths about relaxation, guided imagery and visualisation

Why we evolved to go into focused states of attention

The role of trance states in everyday life

The value of using guided imagery in psychotherapy and medicine

The beneficial power of deep relaxation

Demonstration

Principles and skills for inducing trance so that you can do it whenever appropriate to an individual’s needs. Exercise

11.00am — Discussion over tea/coffee

11.30am – The essence of all relaxation inductions: an easy way to start

We make sure you have a clear understanding of what is involved in developing the necessary rapport to focus the brain’s orientation response and induce a trance

Demonstration of a simple counting down induction that induces relaxation – thus calming the emotional brain, which is necessary for therapeutic change. Exercise

1.00pm — Lunch (included)

1.45pm – Why it is important to be flexible: a range of techniques

Demonstration of a trance induction in which a whole range of techniques are used, including visualisation, metaphorical work and guided imagery

Explanation of what was done

Visualisation and guided imagery employ your ability to relate to other people, natural creativity, imagination and factors common to human behaviour anywhere – like the ability to concentrate, become absorbed, problem solve and dream

You are taught the essential principles of using language for therapeutic effect. Exercise

2.45pm — Discussion over tea/coffee

3.00pm – Guided imagery and counselling: the essential steps

Practice in using several techniques in one session

How to successfully use these techniques to help with a wide range of conditions

The day concludes with a discussion about the use of metaphor (stories) in trance and why guided imagery and visualisation is so important for doing effective therapy and counselling

Further suggestions for study and training in areas of special interest to you will be given